Under Pressure – The Four Favourites to Win the 2022 World Cup

Unique circumstances could shape an entirely different kind of experience, as we look forward to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. For the first time in tournament history, the tournament is being hosted in the Middle East, and given the harsh desert climate of the summer, this posed an additional problem for organisers. This is why the competition is being played in the winter, between 20 November and 18 December, which is another first for the flagship event.

But one thing many of us will take for granted is wagering on the World Cup, although this can actually be quite complicated in the Middle East, due to stringent gambling laws. Nevertheless, people across the region will still be looking for the best football betting sites, keen to back their favourite teams and players. Trust and reputation isimportant, along with safety and privacy, therefore seeking reliable Arabian betting reviews is always a top priority.

As for which teams have the best chances of winning the World Cup, that is entirely subjective, particularly amongst the four leading candidates to lift the iconic golden trophy. Interestingly, the four favourites hail from two different continents, they have each won the tournament before, yet recent form and fortunes couldn’t be more contrasting.

Sultans of Swing – The South Americans

If we’re going to talk about football royalty, then Brazil are certainly that, winners of the World Cup on five previous occasions. They will head to Qatar with ambitions of reigning supreme in the desert, and practically every bookie around is convinced they will triumph. What’s more, head coach Tite has named 9 forwards in his tournament squad, which can only be viewed as a serious statement of intent.

This could ultimately prove to be a masterstroke by the Brazilian coach, who is blessed with an abundance of highly talented options, although it could also be their downfall. That being said, the bookies are certainly convinced by the ambition shown, therefore Brazil are seen as the outright World Cup favourites, expected to dominate with their attacking unless it all falls apart and they somehow manage to fail spectacularly.

One team taking a more solid approach is Argentina, given the choices of their head coach are much more balanced. Reliable goalkeeping, solidity in defence, mindfulness in midfield, and individual brilliance in attack; make the Albiceleste a genuine force to be reckoned with. There’s also the small – literally – matter of Lionel Messi, easily the most naturally gifted player in the game, keen to lift the one trophy that still eludes him.

Argentina will head into the 2022 World Cup on the back of an exceptional unbeaten run, one that dates back to 2019 and includes their 2021 Copa America triumph. During the tournament in Qatar, they could actually set an international football record, and this also bodes well for their chances of also lifting the trophy. Two great objectives, one fascinating team in excellent form, and the added edge of a global icon playing his last international tournament.

Don’t Look Back in Anger – The Europeans

Amongst the numerous European contingent of teams, two are tipped with particular attention at leading bookmakers. Despite not having won the World Cup since 1966, when they hosted the tournament, many are convinced that 2022 will be a special year for England. They are certainly blessed with a great generation of talents, and they did reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, bowing out against Croatia, although the recent form is far from positive.

England were, quite frankly, abysmal during their most recent competitive campaign. They didn’t win a single game in the UEFA Nations League, drawing three and losing three, including two humiliating defeats against Hungary. Question marks also remain about Gareth Southgate as head coach, who tends to favour a more conservative approach, when there’s enough talent and creativity to warrant more risks.

France are also considered to be amongst the World Cup favourites, and as the reigning champions from the 2018 tournament, that’s hardly surprising. But some key components of that squad will be missing, including decisive midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who were arguably the driving force in that winning side. This means there are many new faces, indicating that Les Bleus could be a side in transition.

The recent UEFA Nations League campaign was hugely disappointing, winning just one game, drawing twice, and losing three. Add into the mix the usual chaos that habitually surrounds the French squad, including arguments between the players and their federation, they would appear to be headed for disaster. But this is France and at the World Cup, they are just as likely to succeed as they are to fail spectacularly.